International Journal of Economics (IJEC)

Training Does Not Always Improve Performance: The Mediating Role of Competence and Commitment among Civil Servants in Papua

Joko Waluyo — 2026-07-02

Training is often assumed to directly improve employee performance, yet this assumption may not hold without the role of intervening variables. This study examines the effect of training and work motivation on employee performance, both directly and indirectly through competence and commitment, among civil servants in a region with geographical challenges. A quantitative approach was applied using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS. The sample comprised 213 administrative training alumni of the Religious Training Center of Papua from seven Offices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with significance criteria of CR ≥ 1.96 or p ≤ 0.05. The results show that training significantly affects competence (CR 5.093) and commitment (CR 4.694) but has no direct effect on performance (CR 1.870; p 0.061). Work motivation significantly affects competence, commitment, and performance. Competence and commitment each significantly affect performance and mediate the effects of both training and motivation on performance, with commitment as the most dominant mediator. The model explains 48.3% of the variance in employee performance. These findings confirm that training does not automatically improve performance but requires strengthening competence and commitment as prerequisites. Accordingly, improving civil servant performance demands post-training support, job rotation, and commitment reinforcement rather than merely conducting training

Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Management Practice: A Framework for Innovation, Knowledge Creation, and Business Sustainability

Yusuf Pathuansyah — 2026-07-01

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of modern management, offering unprecedented opportunities for organizational transformation. This article proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates AI into management practices to drive innovation, facilitate knowledge creation, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Drawing on a synthesis of contemporary literature and empirical case studies, the framework identifies three interconnected pillars: (1) AI-enhanced decision-making and process automation as catalysts for operational and strategic innovation; (2) AI-driven knowledge management systems that enable the capture, codification, and dissemination of tacit and explicit knowledge across organizational boundaries; and (3) the strategic alignment of AI capabilities with sustainability goals, encompassing economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The article argues that successful AI integration extends beyond technological adoption; it requires adaptive leadership, a culture of continuous learning, and ethical governance to address challenges such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and workforce displacement. Furthermore, the framework emphasizes the dynamic feedback loops among innovation, knowledge, and sustainability, suggesting that AI not only optimizes existing routines but also generates novel insights that feed forward into future strategic initiatives. The findings offer practical guidance for managers seeking to harness AI's transformative potential while mitigating its risks. Ultimately, this framework contributes to both academic discourse and managerial practice by providing a structured approach to navigating the complexities of AI-enabled management in an era of accelerating digital disruption and growing stakeholder demands for responsible business conduct.

Mediating Role of Digital Sharia Financial Literacy in the Relationship between Social Media Marketing and Generation Z’s Intention to Participate in Waqf and Zakat

Syamsul Effendi — 2026-07-03

The stagnation of waqf and zakat collection among Indonesia’s digitally native Generation Z has prompted Islamic philanthropic institutions to intensify social media marketing, yet the mechanism through which such campaigns translate into donation intention remains underexplored. This qualitative study investigates the mediating function of digital sharia financial literacy in linking social media marketing exposure to Generation Z’s interest in waqf and zakat. Employing a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 Generation Z individuals (aged 17–27) in Greater Jakarta who actively engage with Islamic digital content. Thematic analysis, guided by the Hayes mediation logic adapted for qualitative inquiry, revealed four overarching themes: (1) pervasive but passive social media marketing reach, (2) fragmented digital sharia financial literacy, (3) evolving philanthropic intention from awareness to action, and (4) literacy as a cognitive gateway that filters, interprets, and validates marketing messages. Findings demonstrate that digital sharia financial literacy fully mediates the relationship when marketing content is perceived as complex or untrustworthy, yet plays a partial mediating role for simple, affect-driven campaigns. The study contributes a mediating literacy framework that integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior and media literacy models, offering actionable insights for digital da’wah strategists and Islamic fintech developers to design educational content embedded within promotional narratives

Strengthening Real Sector Resilience: Profit-Sharing Financing Model of Islamic Banking and Its Impact on SME Growth

Effendi Sadly — 2026-07-03

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Indonesia’s real sector but remain highly vulnerable to financial shocks, largely due to limited access to risk‑mitigating capital. Islamic banking offers profit‑and‑loss sharing (PLS) instruments—mudarabah and musharakah—that theoretically align financier‑entrepreneur interests and build resilience, yet their adoption remains extremely low. This study employs a multiple‑case qualitative design to investigate how PLS financing models are implemented in practice and how they influence SME growth and resilience. Data were collected through semi‑structured interviews with six Islamic bank officers and six SME owners across three Indonesian Islamic banks, supplemented by document analysis and observation. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: partnership‑based financing practice, multidimensional SME growth, persistent barriers of information asymmetry and moral hazard, and mitigation through embedded mentoring and technological monitoring. The findings indicate that genuine PLS arrangements foster relational financing, enhance managerial capacity, and cushion enterprises during economic downturns, thereby strengthening real‑sector resilience. However, widespread operationalisation is hindered by high transaction costs and cultural preference for collateralised debt. The study contributes a processual resilience‑building model and recommends a synergetic ecosystem involving government guarantees, fintech integration, and capacity‑building programmes to unlock the full potential of PLS financing

The Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WoM) and Electronic Service Quality on Brand Image and Purchase Intention

Hartati Sukma Ningrum — 2026-07-04

Purchase intention an important role in marketing strategies that can be applied by the information technology and transportation industry by providing the best service for consumers to improve the company's brand image formed from e-service quality and electronic word of mouth optimally. The purpose of this study was to measure more specifically e-service quality against brand image and purchase intention. This type of research is quantitative with a purposive sampling technique distributed through a questionnaire to 100 respondents who use application-based food delivery services in Jakarta. Primary data analysis was carried out using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The results of this study indicate that the 5 hypotheses proposed are accepted, E-service quality was found to have a positive effect on brand image, indicating that good digital service quality can strengthen brand perception. Electronic word of mouth also positively influences brand image, meaning that consumer reviews can enhance the positive perception of a brand. Furthermore, brand image positively influences purchase intention, meaning that the better the brand image, the higher the consumers' intention to purchase. Additionally, e-service quality has a positive effect on purchase intention, showing that a good user experience in the application can increase the desire to make a purchase. Lastly, electronic word of mouth also has a positive effect on purchase intention, indicating that positive reviews from other users can encourage consumers' purchasing decisions. This study contributes to the information technology and transportation industries in maintaining and increasing purchase intention by prioritizing consumer complaints to meet their needs. Furthermore, companies should introduce new innovations in every feature provided in food delivery service applications and present accurate and relevant information to fulfill consumer demands.

Application of Information Technology in Sharia Accounting: A Strategy for Creating New Efficiency in Sharia Financial Institutions

Eka Ratna Glis Purnamasari — 2026-07-05

The digital transformation that has penetrated the world of accounting has also reached entities that adhere to Sharia principles, thus creating a need to understand how information technology can support efficiency without sacrificing inherent Islamic values. This study was conducted to examine the role of information technology including cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence in Sharia accounting information systems (AIS), as well as their implications for compliance with the principles of justice, trustworthiness, transparency, and the prohibition of riba (usury), gharar (gharar), and maysir (gambling). The approach used was qualitative descriptive through library research, reviewing books, journal articles, and regulatory documents relevant to Sharia accounting and accounting information systems. The study's findings demonstrate that the use of information technology can automate transaction recording, reduce human error, accelerate the preparation of financial reports, and strengthen the transparency and accountability of Sharia financial institutions. However, its implementation still faces several obstacles, including limited human resources with expertise in accounting and Sharia principles, high technology investment costs, data security threats, heterogeneity in global standards, and the complexity of adapting conventional systems to Sharia principles. This study is expected to enrich the conceptual discourse regarding the development of a sharia accounting information system that is efficient, transparent, and remains based on Islamic values

The Influence of Sustainable Innovation, Digital Technology, and Promotion on Sales Performance of Sigiro Art Shop

Mario Andrias Kiton — 2026-07-10

This study aims to analyze the influence of sustainable innovation, digital technology, and promotion on the sales performance of Sigiro Art Shop MSMEs. The background of this research is based on the importance of improving MSME competitiveness through product innovation, the utilization of digital technology, and effective promotional strategies in facing increasingly dynamic market competition. Sigiro Art Shop is an MSME engaged in the production and sale of traditional Karo musical instruments, particularly traditional and electric kulcapi, which have experienced fluctuating sales during the research period. This study employed a quantitative method with an associative approach. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to respondents who had direct relationships with Sigiro Art Shop. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS software, including validity tests, reliability tests, classical assumption tests, t-tests, F-tests, and the coefficient of determination (R²). The results indicate that sustainable innovation, digital technology, and promotion have a positive and significant effect on the sales performance of Sigiro Art Shop, both partially and simultaneously. These findings suggest that improving product innovation, maximizing the use of digital technology, and implementing effective promotional activities can increase sales and strengthen the competitiveness of culture-based MSMEs. Therefore, Sigiro Art Shop should continuously develop innovation, expand the utilization of digital technology, and enhance promotional effectiveness to support sustainable business growth

Consumer Comfort In The Café Industry: The Role Of Interior Design, Atmosphere, And Sensory Marketing

Ferry Hidayat — 2026-07-13

This study aims to analyse the effect of interior design, café atmosphere, and sensory marketing on consumer comfort at KOA Café in Perdagangan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study uses a quantitative approach with associative methods. A total of 100 respondents were selected through purposive sampling techniques, and data were collected using questionnaire instruments related to interior design, café atmosphere, sensory marketing, and consumer comfort variables. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression techniques. The results of partial analysis showed that interior design has a significant effect on consumer comfort with a value of tcount = 6.190 greater than Ttable = 1.986 and significance 0.000 (<0.05). Similarly, café atmosphere has a significant effect with a value of tcount = 2.564 greater than Ttable = 1.986 and significance 0.012 (<0.05). However, sensory marketing does not have a significant effect on consumer comfort with a value of tcount = 1.710 smaller than Ttable = 1.986 and significance 0.091 (>0.05). Simultaneously, interior design, café atmosphere, and sensory marketing significantly affect consumer comfort with a value of Fcount = 29.741 greater than Ftable = 2.704 and significance 0.000 (<0.05). The determination value of 46.6% indicates that the variables explain variations in consumer comfort. This study recommends that KOA Café management improve ergonomic interior design, maintain atmosphere consistency, and strengthen sensory marketing strategies to enhance consumer comfort and emotional attachment

The Influence Of Brand Awareness, Consumer Trust, And Charging Infrastructure On Consumers’ Intention To Use Wuling Electric Vehicles In Medan City

Tomy — 2026-07-13

This study aims to analyse the effect of brand awareness, consumer trust, and charging infrastructure on consumers’ intention to use Wuling electric vehicles in Medan City. The increasing development of electric vehicle technology in Indonesia has encouraged automotive companies to improve marketing strategies and infrastructure readiness in order to increase public adoption of electric vehicles. This study uses a quantitative approach with associative methods to examine the relationship between the independent variables and consumers’ intention to use electric vehicles. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed using purposive sampling techniques. However, only 96 questionnaires were returned completely and considered valid for analysis. Data were collected through questionnaire instruments related to brand awareness, consumer trust, charging infrastructure, and intention to use variables. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression techniques with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of partial analysis showed that brand awareness has a positive and significant effect on consumers’ intention to use Wuling electric vehicles with a value of tcount = 4.259 greater than Ttable = 1.985 and significance 0.000 (<0.05). Charging infrastructure also has a positive and significant effect with a value of tcount = 8.939 greater than Ttable = 1.985 and significance 0.000 (<0.05). However, consumer trust does not significantly affect consumers’ intention to use Wuling electric vehicles because the significance value is 0.087 (>0.05). Simultaneously, all independent variables significantly affect intention to use electric vehicles with an Fcount value of 106.627 and an adjusted R square value of 76.90

The Influence of Perceived Value and Customer Experience on Repurchase Intention Through Customer Trust as an Intervening Variable at PT. Golgon Medan

Victor — 2026-07-13

This study aims to analyse the influence of perceived value and customer experience on repurchase intention through customer trust as an intervening variable at PT. Golgon Medan. This study uses a quantitative approach with an associative research design. The population in this study consisted of customers who had purchased or used products from PT. Golgon Medan. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, and a total of 96 respondents were selected as research samples. Data were collected through questionnaires using a Likert scale and analysed using multiple linear regression and path analysis with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results showed that perceived value and customer experience have positive and significant effects on customer trust. Furthermore, perceived value, customer experience, and customer trust also have positive and significant effects on repurchase intention. Customer trust was found to be the most dominant variable influencing repurchase intention. The results of path analysis indicated that customer trust successfully acts as an intervening variable in the relationship between perceived value, customer experience, and repurchase intention. This study concludes that improving perceived value, customer experience, and customer trust simultaneously is important in strengthening customers’ repurchase intention and maintaining long-term customer relationships at PT. Golgon Medan

The Effect of Shopping Experience, Interior Design, And Store Comfort on Customer Satisfaction at Casabella Store

Raymond Justine — 2026-07-14

This study aims to analyse the influence of shopping experience, interior design, and store comfort on customer satisfaction at Casabella Store. This study uses a quantitative approach with an associative research design. The population in this study consisted of customers who had conducted shopping activities at Casabella Store. Since the exact population size was unknown, the researcher applied the Hair method in determining the sample size. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed using accidental sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires and analysed using multiple linear regression analysis with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the partial significance test showed that shopping experience has a positive but not significant effect on customer satisfaction with a tcount value of 1.192 and significance value of 0.235 (>0.05). Interior design has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction with a tcount value of 5.017 and significance value of 0.000 (<0.05). Store comfort also has a positive but not significant effect on customer satisfaction with a tcount value of 1.360 and significance value of 0.176 (>0.05). Simultaneously, shopping experience, interior design, and store comfort significantly influence customer satisfaction with an Fcount value of 10.804 and significance value of 0.000 (<0.05). The coefficient of determination test showed that the independent variables explain 16.5% of customer satisfaction, while the remaining 83.5% is influenced by other variables outside this study. These findings indicate that interior design is the most dominant factor influencing customer satisfaction at Casabella Store

The Effect of Distribution Efficiency, Technology Capability, And Customer Satisfaction on Sales Performance at PT Mandiri Cahaya Plastindo

Fikram Wijaya — 2026-07-14

This study aims to analyze the effects of distribution efficiency, technological capability, and customer satisfaction on sales performance at PT Mandiri Cahaya Plastindo. A quantitative approach with a causal research design was employed. Data were collected from respondents associated with the company and analyzed using multiple linear regression to examine both partial and simultaneous relationships among variables. The results indicate that distribution efficiency has a positive and significant effect on sales performance, suggesting that timely delivery and effective logistics management contribute to improved sales outcomes. Technological capability shows a positive but insignificant effect, implying that the existing technological resources have not been fully integrated into customer-oriented and strategic business processes. Customer satisfaction has the strongest and most significant effect on sales performance, indicating that product quality, service responsiveness, and customer relationships are key determinants of sales success. Simultaneously, distribution efficiency, technological capability, and customer satisfaction significantly affect sales performance, with a coefficient of determination of 69.1%, while the remaining 30.9% is explained by other factors outside the model. These findings highlight the importance of improving distribution systems, optimizing the utilization of technology, and maintaining customer satisfaction to achieve sustainable sales performance and strengthen competitive advantage

Green Supply Chain Management Strategy and Sustainable Financial Performance: The Moderating Role of Regulatory Pressure and Green Literacy on Export SMES in North Sumatra

Abdelina — 2026-07-20

This study aims to analyze Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) strategies in enhancing sustainable financial performance among export SMEs in North Sumatra, examining the moderating roles of regulatory pressure and green literacy. Employing a qualitative approach with a multi-site case study design, this research involved 18 export SMEs from the plantation (palm oil, rubber, coffee), fisheries, and handicraft sectors across Medan, Deli Serdang, and Serdang Bedagai regencies. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis from March to August 2025. The findings reveal that GSCM implementation contributes positively to sustainable financial performance through operational cost efficiency, expanded export market access, and strengthened reputation among international buyers. Regulatory pressure is proven to strengthen the GSCM-financial performance relationship, while green literacy serves as a catalyst for enhancing the effectiveness of green strategy implementation. This research provides theoretical contributions to the development of GSCM models within the SME context in developing economies, as well as practical implications for policymakers and business actors in formulating sustainability strategies oriented toward long-term financial performance

The Mediating Role of Employee Engagement in the Relationship between Digital Transformational Leadership and Organizational Agility in Indonesian Manufacturing SMEs

Dolly Putra Parlindungan — 2026-07-22

This study examines the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between digital transformational leadership and organizational agility within manufacturing SMEs in North Sumatra. The digital era demands that organizations, particularly small and medium enterprises in emerging economies, exhibit agility to remain competitive. While digital transformational leadership is recognized as a driver of such agility, the specific mechanisms facilitating this relationship require further investigation, especially in contexts like Indonesia where employee engagement may be pivotal. Grounded in the Resource-Based View, this research employs a quantitative approach. Data were collected via structured questionnaires from 180 respondents across 60 manufacturing SMEs in North Sumatra, including owners, managers, and supervisors. The conceptual model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. The findings reveal that digital transformational leadership significantly and positively influences organizational agility (β = 0.312, p < 0.001) and employee engagement (β = 0.623, p < 0.001). Employee engagement also significantly affects organizational agility (β = 0.498, p < 0.001). Furthermore, employee engagement mediates the relationship between digital transformational leadership and organizational agility (β = 0.310, p < 0.001). This study contributes to the literature by clarifying the underlying role of employee engagement in translating digital leadership into organizational responsiveness. For practitioners, the findings provide actionable insights for SME leaders in Indonesia on how to strategically foster employee engagement to maximize the benefits of digital transformation, thereby enhancing organizational agility and long-term sustainability.

Analysis of the Influence of Transformational Leadership Style, Work Motivation, and Work Environment on Employee Performance with Job Satisfaction as a Mediating Variable at PT BPR Bank Jombang Perseroda

Mohamad Ilham Putra Arifin — 2026-08-03

PT. BPR Bank Jombang Perseroda is one of the regional financial institutions that has a strategic role in supporting the economy of Jombang Regency. As a Regionally-Owned Enterprise (BUMD), Bank Jombang is not only profit-oriented, but also on public service and community economic empowerment. In carrying out this role, Bank Jombang faces various challenges, both internally and externally. Competition with other financial institutions such as commercial banks, cooperatives, and digital financial platforms demands innovation and improvement in the quality of human resources. Therefore, systematic managerial efforts are needed to optimize employee potential so that they can work productively and result-oriented. Employees at PT BPR Bank Jombang Perseroda show that there are still variations in the level of performance between employees, both in terms of productivity, speed of service, and quality of work, which is a phenomenon in this study. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of Transformational Leadership Style, work motivation, and work environment on employee performance with job satisfaction as a mediating variable at PT BPR Bank Jombang Perseroda. This study uses a quantitative method with primary data sources obtained from distributing questionnaires. The study population is employees of PT BPR Bank Jombang Perseroda. Respondents were selected using a saturated non-probability sampling method with 100 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and SEM-PLS analysis. The results showed that the variables of transformational leadership style, work motivation, and work environment had a positive and significant effect on employee performance through employee job satisfaction at PT BPR Bank Jombang Perseroda

The Mediating Role of Brand Awareness and Customer Satisfaction in the Relationship Between Brand Image, Service Quality, Product Quality, and Customer Loyalty

Riski Sugiarti — 2026-08-04

This study examines the influence of brand image, service quality, and product quality on customer loyalty through the mediating roles of brand awareness and customer satisfaction at PT Kao Indonesia Surabaya. Using a quantitative causal approach, data were collected from 260 customers through structured questionnaires. The analysis employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that brand image, service quality, and product quality have direct positive and significant effects on customer loyalty. Brand awareness significantly mediates the relationship between brand image and customer loyalty. However, customer satisfaction does not mediate the brand image-loyalty relationship due to the pragmatic characteristics of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) consumers who prioritize functional product performance over abstract brand prestige. Both brand awareness and customer satisfaction significantly mediate the effects of product quality and service quality on customer loyalty. These findings contribute to marketing theory by demonstrating that in low-involvement product categories, cognitive brand recall dominates loyalty formation compared to satisfaction-based pathways. Practical implications suggest that FMCG companies should prioritize product quality consistency and service excellence over abstract brand image campaigns to maintain sustainable customer loyalty